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Sunday, 8 November 2009 BV State League, Sunday November 8.
Division 1 Firsts
Doncaster lost to Sandringham 7-10
The hits keep coming – but unfortunately for the Doncaster Dragons, so do the losses.
In what is becoming a familiar scenario, Doncaster outhit the Sandringham Royals 14-12 but still came away empty-handed as the home team held on for a 10-7 win.
There was no lack of offensive output for the Dragons, led by the resurgent Ken O’Malley. The first baseman, who had three hits against Waverley last week, went one better this time with four hits, including two doubles, and two RBIs.
Every player in the Doncaster starting line-up had at least one safe hit, with top-of-the-order hitters Michael Daykin and Cameron Deeble collecting two each.
After struggling through the first four innings against Sandringham right-hander Matt Holmes, the Dragons broke the drought in the fifth, when Daykin doubled to drive in Slade Squire for Doncaster’s first run.
It was the start of five consecutive innings in which the Dragons scored at least one run, but still they couldn’t bridge the gap.
Starting pitcher Jamie Lethborg was his usual competitive self, keeping his team in the game into the sixth inning. Lethborg allowed seven runs but was not helped by some sloppy fielding, with the Dragons making four errors.
Reliever Rhys Hopper had similar problems, pitching solidly for two-and-a-third innings and conceding just two unearned runs.
With no midweek game scheduled, Doncaster’s next outing will be a trip to the Graveyard to take on Newport next Sunday.
- John McDonald
Division 1 Seconds
Doncaster def Sandringham 3-1
An impressive team performance to secure the points against the Royals.
Locky 'HighTower' Craven had his first start for the dragons since before the midway break of last season, going 3 innings only allowing 1 hit over 50 pitches! Good to see you back on the hill!
In relief Rhys Otter, also going 3 innings for 2 hits for 1 run! Quality effort from the pitching staff.
The bats were much better this week! Both Patto & Deano collected 2 hits a piece, Leigh smashed a 1st inning triple, Benny contributed once again, Daws & Ott's also adding to the total hits!
Our defence was solid, not conceding a single error!!
A great game of team baseball, doing the little things and coming out on top.
Next week another long trek to Newport.
-Ant Collis
Division 1 Thirds
Doncaster def Sandringham
Report to come.
Division 1 Fourths
Doncaster def Sandringham
Report to come.
Division 3 (Fifths)
Doncaster lost to Essendon Red 14-6
At training on Thursday some of the Fifth's players were speculating that we could actually get a go on Essendon's main diamond as their synthetic infield project had been recently completed. Unfortunately this optimism shriveled up in the blistering sun on Sunday as we instead were relegated to their third string diamond with all six teams playing at home in celebration of the new "Astroturf".
Now some of you may be thinking to yourself "I didn't know Essendon had a third diamond". Well, they don't, what they do have is a paddock (sorry, cricket pitch) some portable benches and a few "L" screens. Felt like we were playing U12's at Serpells Reserve - only worse, with no shade anywhere near the playing surface. Highlight of the day was when Cameron Allen offered the team his full esky after the game. Best beverage I've ever had!!
Oh yes, the game. Josh Lucas led off the game with a single to right, and eventually scored on a two-out infield single by Jon Dennis. After Chris Mizzi held the Red's scoreless in the first, we got it going again in the second. Neil Southwell drilled a one-out double to left-centre and after a few bad throws by the Bombers crossed the plate for our second run. Rick Evans kept it going with an infield single of his own, and after Lucas moved him over with a single, he scored on a wild pitch.
Our three-run lead didn't hold however as Essendon scored six runs on five hits and a walk in their half of the second. After we went down scoreless in the third the Bombers manufactured another run to take a 3 - 7 lead after three.
We battled back in our fourth with Xavier Gleeson leading off with a single to centre followed by a run-scoring double by Southwell, his second of the day. After moving to third on a wild pitch, Neil scored on a Sac Fly by Rick Evans. Lucas then smacked his third hit of the day, a double to left, followed by singles by Mizzi and Shannon D'Avoine.
We trailed 6 - 7 going into the bottom of the fourth when Essendon took command scoring seven runs with four hits and two walks. The heat seemed to be taking its toll as we hurt ourselves with several miscues, both physical and mental. After going down 1-2-3 in our fifth, we would lose the contest 6 - 14.
Offensively we went 11 from 24 with Josh Lucas (3 from 3, 2B) and Neil Southwell (2 from 2, 2 2B) leading the way. All but one Dragon player notched at least one hit. Nevertheless our defence and pitching succumbed to the extreme playing conditions and we again left the field with a loss.
We'll keep battling next week at home against Cheltenam B.
- Jon Dennis
Division 4 (Sixths)
Doncaster drew with Blackburn A 11-11
With the temperature reaching a startling 30 degrees and even more out on the field, we weren’t expecting any athletic stunts for the day. However Mike Strong had other plans. First blocking the ball at short stop, he dives to the ground whilst hooking his for around the base and grasping the ball to take the force play. Josh Gonzalez AKA Gonzo takes the mound today and demolishes the opposition batters with his blistering left handed pick offs and smart pitching, well done mate. Keep on focusing on that catchers glove mate, otherwise as brucey mentioned we will put a garter on your leg. (had to be there) A shout out to the young Tom Burgoine hitting 3 for 3 today, a great job today mate, keep up the great attitude and you’ll go far, not just in baseball.
Well done with the batting today from all, a cumulative batting average of .542 shows that we came out with our bats in hand and ready.
It’s not often that you get a draw in baseball, and although there is no winner or loser, it shows how equal and determined both teams were this day. A top game from all round, and a big thanks to Keith who score once again for us!
- Nick Hansen
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